# WAC 51-51-0311: WAC 51-51-0311. Section R311—Means of egress

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0311

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 51-51-0311
- **Heading:** WAC 51-51-0311. Section R311—Means of egress
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 51 / Chapter 51-51 / Section 51-51-0311

## Text

R311.4 Vertical egress. Egress from habitable levels including habitable attics and basements not provided with an egress door in accordance with Section R311.2 shall be by a ramp in accordance with Section R311.8 or a stairway in accordance with Section R311.7.
EXCEPTION:
Stairways, alternating tread devices, ship's ladders, or ladders within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit used for access to areas of 200 square feet (18.6 m 2 ) or less, are exempt from the requirements of Sections R311.4 and R311.7, where such devices do not provide exclusive access to a kitchen or bathroom. Such areas shall not be located more than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the finished floor of the space below.
R311.7.11 Alternating tread devices. Alternating tread devices shall not be used as an element of a means of egress. Alternating tread devices shall be permitted provided that a required means of egress stairway or ramp serves the same space at each adjoining level or where a means of egress is not required. The clear width at and below the handrails shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm).
EXCEPTION:
Not adopted.
R311.7.12 Ship's ladders. Ship's ladders shall not be used as an element of a means of egress. Ship's ladders shall be permitted provided that a required means of egress stairway or ramp serves the same space at each adjoining level or where a means of egress is not required. The clear width at and below the handrails shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm).
EXCEPTION:
Not adopted.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 51-51-001 WAC 51-51-001. Authority](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_001.md)
- [WAC 51-51-002 WAC 51-51-002. Purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_002.md)
- [WAC 51-51-003 WAC 51-51-003. International Residential Code](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_003.md)
- [WAC 51-51-007 WAC 51-51-007. Exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_007.md)
- [WAC 51-51-008 WAC 51-51-008. Implementation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_008.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0102 WAC 51-51-0102. Section R102 — Applicability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0102.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0202 WAC 51-51-0202. Section R202 — Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0202.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0301 WAC 51-51-0301. Section R301 — Design criteria](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0301.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0302 WAC 51-51-0302. Section R302 — Fire-resistant construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0302.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0303 WAC 51-51-0303. Section R303 — Light, ventilation and heating](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0303.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0307 WAC 51-51-0307. Section R307 — Toilet, bath and shower spaces](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0307.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0309 WAC 51-51-0309. Section R309 — Garages and carports](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0309.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0311 WAC 51-51-0311. Section R311—Means of egress](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0311.md)
- [WAC 51-51-0312 WAC 51-51-0312. Section R312 — Guards and window fall protection](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0312.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_51_0311. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.